Alternative GPU to 4GB EVGA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti SSC

Giants_1 · Feb 14, 2017

I just installed a 4 GB EVGA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti SSC on my primary computer and like it. It cost $160 on Amazon new. I want to install a graphics card in my back up computer. Before I get a second EVGA, I wanted to see if you would recommend a comparable/better model in the same price range.

I plan to overclock and may game.

Systems:
Cooler Master Elite 311 mid-tower ATX
Windows 7 64 bit
ASUS mobo LGA 1155
i5-2500K and i5-3750
Cooler Master Hyper 212 + and EVO, respectively
Noctua rear case fans
Samsung EVO 830/840 120 GB SSD

Kavinqt · Feb 14, 2017

EVGA is a great manufacturer. But really most all manufacturers make great cards, MSI, Gigabyte, Zotac, Asus it's all good stuff IMO EVGA is the best though especially on customer support.

But for around the same price you can get a rx 470 that is about 10% better overall than a 1050 Ti, just it draws more power.

Lucky_SLS · Feb 15, 2017

u could go for a rx470 4gb. msi card is @ $165

Giants_1 · Feb 15, 2017

Thanks. Based upon your suggestion, Tom's Hardware did a review and said that the 480 was a better buy. With rebate, I'd spend about $30 more.

I loved ASUS.

https://www.asus.com/us/Graphics-Cards/DUAL-RX480-O4G/specifications/

Thoughts about this?

Also, what is an 8 pin power connector (i'm totally blanking out on that and have a 2015 Corsair Builder CX430 PSU) ?

Lucky_SLS · Feb 15, 2017

sapphire is the best brand when it comes to radeon cards...

Kavinqt · Feb 15, 2017

8 pin is the power cable that power's the GPU itself. the 1050 Ti doesn't have one as its max power draw is 75watts which the motherboards PCI slot can transfer all those watts itself so no power cord needed. Most graphics cards themselves come with the needed power cables nowadays at least every GPU I have bought has (Besides a 1050 Ti) anyhow your power supply should come with it also!

But yes Asus is fine when it comes to all GPU's.

Giants_1 · Feb 15, 2017

Thanks.
I figured out the 8 pin

I don't understand the base clock, boost clock, and memory clock; I've so far narrowed it down to these two:

https://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-RadeonTM-PCI-Express-Graphisc-11260-02-20G/dp/B01J1M4IHS/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1487136612&sr=1-1&keywords=rx+480+card+4gb+sapphire

https://www.amazon.com/Dual-Fan-Radeon-Gaming-Graphics-DUAL-RX480-O4G/dp/B01KWGSEJU/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1487135396&sr=1-2&keywords=rx+480+card+4gb

Kavinqt · Feb 15, 2017

base clock is the speed of the graphics card without a default overclock, Boost clock is the boosted speed from the base clock basically a default factory overclock. and the memory clock speed is the speed that the memory works at.

Out of those 2 I'd say go with the Asus one.

Giants_1 · Feb 15, 2017

Thanks. Would you explain your reasoning?

madmatt30 · Feb 15, 2017

Nothing between those 2 cards , they're absolute equals performance wise

Pick the one you like cosmetically more

Kavinqt · Feb 15, 2017

$10 cheaper after rebate, Speeds are around the same. I just trust Asus more than I would for Sapphire, Many people would argue this point though, It's really personal pref really. I myself would go with the Asus though. Feel free to go with Sapphire they are both great cards and will run generally around the same, I'd just say same performance for $10 cheaper no reason not to go with it.

Giants_1 · Feb 15, 2017

Thanks. I have two ASUS motherboards and love them. All things equal, I'm leaning toward the ASUS. That said, I'm curious to know more about Lucky_SLS's idea that Sapphire is superior to ASUS when it comes to Radeon chips.

madmatt30 · Feb 15, 2017

Sapphire ONLY make amd cards ,vypud therefore think they would have it down to a T & generally they have.
Asus have always been one of my personal favourites when it comes to gpu's though.

What you get extra with the sapphire is

1. A full length steel backplate on the card
2. Quick removeable fans (for cleaning or for repair replacement if one breaks)
3. Programmable Rgb lighting.

I'd argue points 1 & 3 are purely cosmetic & if you don't have a windowed case make no difference.
The hot swap removeable fans are a good idea though without a doubt, if one breaks there's no need to RMA the card , pop the fan out & sapphire will send you a new one.

Kavinqt · Feb 15, 2017

Like I said before, It's all preference especially when it comes to the cards you linked. They are the same in performance so disregard what he said. When it comes to maybe the 8gb version maybe sapphire rules there, Still I don't think they rule anything when it comes to radeon xD but that's his opinion and my opinion.

Lucky_SLS · Feb 15, 2017

sapphire cards are generally better oc'ed than the competition and has pretty good service. check out the core/memory clocks of the two cards

also check the benchmarks if u want. they r close enough and all depends on oc'ing. so cant say a definite ans here.

Giants_1 · Feb 15, 2017

madmatt30, how often would I need to replace the fans? How hard would it be to remove and replace the ASUS fans? Thanks

madmatt30 · Feb 15, 2017

^ how often 'should' you have to replace the fans ?? - never in all honesty.
Its just a feature that sapphire & xfx have introduced on their cards to ease RMA or repair procedures if a fan fault ever develops.
The only singular moving part on any gpu is the fans so they're an inherent weak point at the end of the day.

I've only ever had a single fan fault on any GPU ive ever owned & that was a faulty MSI one straight out of the box.

It is quite a sensible feature though & I don't know why everyone doesn't do it in all honesty.

Giants_1 · Feb 15, 2017

Thanks. Do the GPUs use thermal pads or thermal paste? How often should i replace them, once the warranty expires of course? Thanks!

Kavinqt · Feb 15, 2017

You should never have to replace the thermal paste on a GPU ever.

Alternative GPU to 4GB EVGA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti SSC

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